Trump Boasts of Wide Damage in Iran After US-Israel Attack; Denies Being Forced Into War

US President Donald Trump claimed that "just about everything's been knocked out" in Iran following US-Israel strikes that began Saturday, while denying that Israel forced the US into the war, asserting he acted to prevent an Iranian assault first. Trump also downplayed the leadership chances of exiled activist Reza Pahlavi, preferring a moderate leader from within Iran.

Key points

• Trump made the comments on Tuesday while meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously stated the US acted only after learning Israel was going to strike.
• Trump expressed concern that a hardline leader could replace Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in the strikes.
• Reza Pahlavi, exiled since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, advocates for secular governance and democratic reforms.

Why it matters

The statements provide insight into the US administration's justification for military action against Iran and its preferred outcome for post-Khamenei leadership.